August 2022
48th ASHI Annual Meeting
Experience the 48th ASHI Annual Meeting with interactive and engaging scientific sessions, discussions, and exhibits that will spark new ideas in a city filled with world-class entertainment and attractions. Earn CE while learning the latest in the field and connecting with colleagues!
  • Register by September 15 to receive the discounted early bird rate.
  • Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is the official host hotel. Rooms are limited! Book by October 7.
  • The Annual Meeting website is your comprehensive resource with all your need to know information!
Partnerships and Collaborations
Policy change impacting KPD eligibility
Changes to HLA and unacceptable antigen options
will go into effect on August 30th, as well as changes to the equivalences used for HLA matching and screening of unacceptable antigens between candidates and donors.

These changes include:
  • DPA1 added for candidate and donor HLA reporting
  • HLA-DPA1 is required for all KPD donors
  • DPA1 added for candidate Unacceptable Antigen reporting
  • If unacceptable antigen(s) are reported for DPA1, then reporting candidate
  • DPA1 HLA typing is required
  • DPA1 added for candidate Other Antibody Specificities reporting

Refer to the policy notice to see the equivalency changes that will affect donor-to-candidate screening and matching. Learn More
ASHI Spotlights
Member Spotlight

"Since my years of residency, I have been very interested in the kidney transplant unit. I learned that Guatemala did not have any HLA lab, so I worked with colleagues to open our first immunogenetics lab in the largest public hospital in the country."

Check out our featured member spotlight, Dr. Karla Escobar-Castro!
Techs on the Move
"My ideal work culture would be an environment where everyone's opinions are respected and valued. I would like everyone to be equal in decision making so that everyone's expertise and strengths are used to better the overall quality of life in the laboratory."

Check out our featured Tech on the Move, Justin House! View Now

Are you a technologist that has recently accepted a new job opportunity? Click here to answer a few short questions about your new position and we will feature you in the next ASHI News issue!
Volunteer Spotlight
"I became an ASHI member in 2017 during my fellowship at the Transplant Immunology Laboratory at Northwestern University. I am proud to volunteer on several ASHI committees and I enjoy it tremendously! Currently, I’m the junior co-chair of the PT Committee, a volume manager for ASHI-U, and a member of the Portfolio Committee/DTRC. I encourage everyone to engage with ASHI committees, it is an incredible opportunity to learn, meet new people and share your expertise."

Check out our featured volunteer spotlight, Dr. Reut Hod Dvorai! View Now
Awards
The Michael Schmiederer Research Support Award, Sponsored by Labcorp
The aim of the Michael Schmiederer Research Support Award (MSRSA) is to support impactful research. This program offers ASHI members an award of $15,000 (per year for three years) for research related to Immunogenetics in various clinical disciplines such as transplantation, cancer, autoimmunity, infectious disease, disease association, or pharmacogenomics. The award is sponsored by Labcorp in memory of a beloved coworker, Michael W. Schmiederer, PhD, S(ACHI). Click here to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
Committee Corner
Quality Assurance & Standards (QAS) Committee webinar

The ASHI QAS Committee is hosted its first webinar! The webinar was a presentation of the proposed changes to the 2021 ASHI Standards, followed by a live question and answer session. If you missed the webinar, click the link below to view the recording. View Now
Proficiency Testing
2022 AC-1 Report
The review process of the AC-1 report is nearing completion. Participating laboratories will be notified by email once the reports are finalized.
 
2022 VXM-1
Labs that wish to participate in the optional, educational virtual crossmatch (VXM-1) challenge will receive links and instructions by email the first week of August.

2022 Fall Shipment Schedule
The HT-1 survey is scheduled to ship on September 13th; the EMO-1 shipment is scheduled to ship on October 11th; and the AC-1 shipment is scheduled to ship on October 25th - the week of ASHI's Annual Meeting.
Would you like to be an ASHI inspector?
The ARB will be hosting a full-day training workshop in conjunction with the 48th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas on Monday, October 24th. This full day workshop is the first step to becoming a new inspector. Active inspectors and trainees can attend the second half (afternoon session) of this workshop to keep your status active as well. Please contact Melissa Weeks to reserve your spot.
Directors in Training Facebook Forum
There is a new forum on Facebook for ASHI Laboratory Directors in Training to have open communication with each other, to share ideas, and to discuss cases for feedback. Please contact Melissa Weeks for any questions about this forum.
American College of Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (ACHI)
ACHI Certificants
Congratulations to the people who passed the June CHT & CHS examinations! View Now